We received this reader request some time ago from Charly: I am considering a new sofa that is covered with a crazy printed fabric. It is totally amazing but also quite intimidating for me in my small rental apartment that I am just beginning to decorate. Before I take the plunge, I am trying to find images of printed couches to help me decide if I can make it work. Do you have any images of sofas and couches with colorful and/or busy prints on them for inspiration? Since it's been so long Charly has likely already chosen her sofa but I was curious to see what photos I could find in my stash of patterned sofas, as they certainly are not everyone's first choice for such a substantial piece of furniture. But why not - you only live once!

bright patterns on a large piece of furniture can really trip some people up...daring choice to purchase but it could be the greatest asset in your living space...make sure the style/design of the sofa is what you love and make sure you spend some time sitting in and moving around in the sofa before you buy it...because in the end, if you decide the sofa's fabric is too much, throw a blanket or slip cover over it...but if it's uncomfortable..not much you can do about that....best of luck...maureen